Christ has died. Christ IS risen.
We continue our 40 days of fasting in preparation for 50 days of celebration. May God strengthen our charity towards those in poverty of body or spirit.
Quote of the Month
“I do not know you, God, because I am in the way. Please help me to push myself aside.”
-Flannery O’Connor
For more Catholic inspiration, connect with the Diocese of Youngstown and The Catholic Echo on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.
Photo above by Jimmy Joe Savage. Lenten decor for “The Light Is ON For You” at Holy Trinity Parish, East Liverpool, Ohio.
Welcome to the Digital Communique!
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
For full list of bulletin announcements, please download the Text Only Attachments
The Communique collects important information provided by diocesan offices for parish ministry leaders. It also includes promotional materials for diocesan events and programs, where applicable.
Questions? Contact Meagen Farrell, Communications Manager, at communications@youngstowndiocese.org or (330) 744-8451 x275.
The printable format publication is sent by email as a PDF or Word file. Attachments are now provided as downloadable files in one folder (including the printable version):
- Communique Attachments Folder (contains printable version, text-only version, images & flyers): https://bit.ly/apr2025comm
- Video: Saving Communique Attachments https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nz8Uim_okAE
Announcements suitable or adaptable for parish bulletins are noted. Where applicable, links to attachments and graphic files are included for each office below: click to save/download the file.
Other Events & Shared Publicity
Events from around the diocese can also be found on The Catholic Echo Events Calendar. You can upload or find publicity for Catholic organizations outside of diocesan offices in our new Shared Publicity Folders. All at youngstowndiocese dot org emails have access to these folders, and others can request access.
- April 2025 Shared Publicity Folder https://bit.ly/apr2025sharedoy
- May 2025 Shared Publicity Folder https://bit.ly/may2025sharedoy
- June 2025 Shared Publicity Folder https://bit.ly/june2025sharedoy
Diocesan Events This Month
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- MO
- TU
- WE
- TH
- FR
- SA
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- 1
Events for November
1st
Events for November
2nd
Events for November
3rd
Vocations Awareness Week
Events for November
4th
Events for November
5th
Events for November
6th
Events for November
7th
Events for November
10th
Events for November
11th
Events for November
12th
Events for November
13th
Pilgrim Days | Basilica of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel
- Office of Worship
Events for November
14th
Events for November
15th
Events for November
17th
Events for November
19th
Events for November
20th
NCYC
Events for November
21st
NCYC
Events for November
22nd
Retirement Fund for Religious
- Office of Clergy & Vowed Religious
NCYC
Events for November
23rd
NCYC
Events for November
24th
Events for November
25th
Events for November
26th
Events for November
27th
Thanksgiving | Offices & Library Closed
Events for November
28th
Thanksgiving | Offices & Library Closed
Events for November
29th
Events for December
3rd
Events for December
5th
Events for December
6th
Chancery
Click the name of the office to read the announcement titles, and click the headlines for more information. Links to download the parish bulletin/publicity materials are listed below.
- Safe Environment Materiales de Boletín (in Spanish) – The attached bulletin announcement regarding education, screening, reporting, and victim assistance, should be included bi-monthly (every two months) in all parish bulletins.
- Safe Environment Bulletin Announcements (in English) – The attached bulletin announcement regarding education, screening, reporting, and victim assistance, should be included bi-monthly (every two months) in all parish bulletins.
- DOY County Celebrations for the Jubilee of Hope (Bulletin Materials) – The celebrations take place across all six counties. The next event will be: Columbiana County on December 6, 5:00 pm Mass at St. Philip Neri Parish (Hanoverton).
- Upcoming Events with Bishop Bonnar (Bulletin Materials) – Bulletin materials available for upcoming events with Bishop Bonnar.
- Religious Retirement Fund Collection (Bulletin Materials) – The Retirement Fund for Religious Appeal and Collection will take place in most parishes on November 23/24, 2025.
- Collection for the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA (Bulletin Materials) – The Triennial Collection for the Archdiocese for the Military Services (AMS) will be held on November 8/9, 2025.
- Where can you find sacramental records for a closed or merged parish? – Catechist Café contains guidance on how to find a sacramental record from a closed or merged parish, and the proper keeping of sacramental records.
- Pilgrim Days at Basilica of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel for the Jubilee of Hope (Bulletin Materials) – Join the devotions during pilgrim days at the Basilica of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel in Youngstown on November 13, Feast of St. Francis Xavier Cabrini; & December 8, 2025, Feast of the Immaculate Conception.
- DOY County Celebrations for the Jubilee of Hope (Bulletin Materials) – The celebrations take place across all six counties. The next event will be: Columbiana County on December 6, 5:00 pm Mass at St. Philip Neri Parish (Hanoverton).
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Safe Environment Bulletin Announcements (Bulletin Materials | Materiales de Boletín)
The attached bulletin announcement regarding education, screening, reporting, and victim assistance, should be included bi-monthly (every two months) in all parish bulletins.
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month (Bulletin Materials)
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
JUBILEE 2025 EVENTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS & RESOURCES
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
25th, 40th, 50th and over Wedding Anniversary Celebration (Bulletin Materials)
Click the name of the office to read the full text of the announcements. Links to download the parish bulletin/publicity materials are listed below.
- Season Of Giving (Bulletin Materials) – There are a variety of ways to engage with us during this 60-day campaign such as giving online through our website (ccdoy.org), gifts by mail, or by attending an in-person event.
- Save the Date: Community Day of Hope, Catholics United in Service! – Catholic Charities and other Catholic social service organizations, parishes, and volunteers are planning an event that will bring together essential services, spiritual support, and acts of kindness for families and individuals experiencing hardship in our community.
- Breakfast with the Bishop (Bulletin Materials) – Catholic Charities, Diocese of Youngstown to host Breakfast with the Bishop at Saint Michael Parish, Canfield
- Catholic Charities of Ashtabula County – Men Who Cook – Catholic Charities of Ashtabula County announces Men Who Cook ’26
- Catholic Charities of Ashtabula County HALO (Bulletin Materials) – Catholic Charities of Ashtabula County invites you to attend the HALO Gala—Holiday Angels Loving Others. Support the children who will benefit from this event by visiting our Amazon Toys Wishlist today.
- URGENT REQUEST – Food Support Needed! – Catholic Charities Urgently Seeks Donations to Help Those in Need.
- URGENT PLEA – Winter Baby Items Needed (Bulletin Materials) – Catholic Charities Serving Portage and Stark Counties. Urgent plea for donations in Stark County!
- Social Hour with the Bishop (Bulletin Materials) – Catholic Charities Serving Portage and Stark County to host 2nd Annual Social Hour with the Bishop.
- October is RESPECT LIFE MONTH (Bulletin Materials) – The Office of Peace and Justice promotes the themes of Catholic Social Teaching, particularly the dignity of the human person, through education, advocacy, and prayer.
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Voice of Hope Dinner on May 1, 2025 (Bulletin Materials)**
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Catholic Charities of Ashtabula County
Volunteers Needed – Join Us in Service and Fellowship! (Bulletin Materials)**
We are actively seeking volunteers to assist with office tasks and upcoming fundraising events in Ashtabula, Ohio during regular office hours. This is a wonderful opportunity to give back to the community, meet new people, and enjoy fellowship and fun while making a meaningful impact.
If you’re interested in sharing your time and talents, please contact us by calling 440-992-2121 – Or, send an email to charities@youngstowndiocese.org.
We’d love to have you join us!
Come and lend a hand! Help others by directly fulfilling just one of the many ways we assist clients in need.
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Catholic Charities of Ashtabula County
Opening Doors Parenting Class (Bulletin Materials)**
The Opening Doors Program is a free ten-week evidence-based parenting, leadership, and advocacy program for parents/custodians/guardians with children ages 0-5. The next class starts April 15, 2025. Registration is required. Contact Carrie A. 440-992-2121 ext. 7049 or carriea@doyccac.org.
Download FLYER for complete details.
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Catholic Charities Serving Portage and Stark Counties
URGENT PLEA – Volunteers Needed (Bulletin Materials)**
Catholic Charities Serving Portage and Stark Counties is looking for volunteers to help with the increased demand for pantry services in both the Canton location and the Ravenna location. Pantry volunteers will typically work a 2-3 hour shift and can choose to work weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly, depending on their personal availability. Clients will schedule pantry visits in advance, and pantry volunteers will prepare the grocery bags based on client selections. Compare this to the “Giant Eagle Shoppers” that prepare groceries for pick-up customers. However, this is much easier! In addition, volunteers may be asked to assist with other routine tasks such as dating incoming goods, rotating products, and general organization.
Come and lend a hand! Help others by directly fulfilling just one of the many ways we assist clients in need.
Call the Canton office at 330-491-0896
Call the Ravenna office at 330-297-7745 or
Send an email to charities@youngstowndiocese.org and we will forward your information to the proper location!
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Office of Peace & Justice: Prison and Jail Ministry (Bulletin Materials)**
The Office of Peace and Justice is seeking to expand the volunteer program for prison ministry. If you, or someone you know, is interested in ministering to the incarcerated, please contact us. Volunteer opportunities available in all six counties. For further information contact R.J. Mangan, Director of Peace and Justice, at 330-744-8451 x 245.
Click the name of the office to read the full text of the announcements.
- SEEK26 – SEEK26 registration opens on October 15th at MIDNIGHT for the first 25 young adults (ages 18-39) to register with the Diocese of Youngstown using the diocesan discount code. Registrants must be parishioners and/or reside in the Diocese of Youngstown to attend.
- Emmaus: New Young Adult Speaker Series – Emmaus is a series of events put on by collaborating parishes in Stark County for Young Adults, ages 18-39, from various backgrounds/parishes. The mission of Emmaus is inspired by Luke 24; it is for young adults in Stark County within the Diocese of Youngstown to journey together and grow in authentic faith and fellowship, to empower them to go forth and live the Gospel.
- Save-the-Dates: Youth, Young Adult, and Campus Ministry Events in 2025-2026 – Save these dates, and check in periodically for an updated list of events!
- NCYC 2025 – The National Catholic Youth Conference in Indianapolis, IN is an annual conference hosted by the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry. The Diocesan Office of Youth and Young Adult Accompaniment is providing the opportunity for youth groups to attend with the larger diocesan Young Church this year!
- Theology on Tap – Theology on Tap is an invitation to young adults (18-39) to delve deeper in their faith and in community with other members of the Church.
Click the name of the office to read the full text of the announcements.
- The Catholic Echo Podcast Topics: October & November 2025 – Join us for a weekly discussion of your burning spiritual questions. For more information about the Catholic Echo Podcast topics, visit catholicecho.org/podcast.
- Wineskins Schedule: October & November 2025 – “Wineskins” features reflections on the lives of the saints and the sacred scriptures, along with thoughts on a variety of topics and issues from a Catholic perspective.
- RSVP for Diocesan Communications Retreat on 11/18 – Catholic Communications Professionals in the Diocese of Youngstown are invited to a special day on November 18, 2025 at St. Columba Cathedral (Youngstown). Invites coming soon!
- Parish Directory Updates – Please note recent changes to merged parish web addresses, offices, and other directory updates.
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Wineskins & The Catholic Echo Podcast (Bulletin Materials)**
Learn more at catholicecho.org/podcast
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
CALL FOR RECIPES! (Bulletin Materials)**
The Catholic Echo magazine would like to feature your favorite recipes in an upcoming print edition! All recipes are welcome. For more information or to submit a recipe, email catholicecho@youngstowndiocese.org.
Catholic Echo logos are included on the DOY Brand page: doy.org/brand
Clergy and Religious Services
Click the name of the office to read the full text of the announcements. Links to download the parish bulletin/publicity materials are listed below.
- Religious Retirement Fund Collection (Bulletin Materials) – The Retirement Fund for Religious Appeal and Collection will take place in most parishes on November 23/24, 2025.
- SAVE THE DATES! Priest Events in 2025 – Ongoing Education & Formation: “Putting the Heart of Christ in the Ministry of the Priest” – October 28, 1:00 p.m. via WebEx. Advent Day of Recollection on December 16, 2025 (dinner included).
- Parish Vocation Ministry & Called By Name Initiative – SAVE THE DATE: The Office of Church Vocations is sponsoring “Called By Name” on the weekend of January 24 & 25, 2026. Contact the Office of Vocations at vocations@youngstowndiocese.org.
- October & November 2025 Vocation Intercessions and Bulletin Blurbs (Bulletin Materials) – Please use these vocation intercessions and bulletin blurbs to help promote vocations to the priesthood and religious life in your parish community and school.
- New Candidate Admitted into Seminary Formation – The Office of Church Vocations is pleased to announce the acceptance of Mr. Derek Linden into Seminary Formation for the Diocese of Youngstown, following the Priestly Formation Board meeting. Mr. Linden will attend St. Mary Seminary.
- Vocations Posters & Prayer Cards Now Available – Our 2025-2026 Seminarian Posters & Prayer Cards have been delivered to all parishes in the diocese.
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Vocations Intercessions and Bulletin Blurbs (Bulletin Materials)**
Watch our social media for more updates.
Vocations Social Media
- Website: www.doy.org/vocations/
- Facebook: doyvocations
- Instagram: doyvocations
Development and Stewardship Offices
Click the name of the office to read the full text of the announcements. Links to download the parish bulletin/publicity materials are listed below.
- News About the Appeal – Fr. John-Michael Lavelle has been emailing updates on individual parishes’ performance on the Appeal. This information is also posted at doy.org/appeal under “Parish Toolkit and Updates.”
- 2025 Annual Diocesan Appeal: One in Hope, One in Mission (Bulletin Materials) – Parish resources to promote the Annual Diocesan Appeal are available in the “Appeal 2025” folder in Google Drive and the resources tab in Catholic Social Media.
- Oct-Dec 2025 Stewardship Bulletin Thoughts (Bulletin Materials | Materiales de Boletín) – It is recommended that every week, in every parish, a stewardship reflection should be included in the weekly bulletin.
Annual Diocesan Appeal Updates
Fr. John-Michael Lavelle has been emailing updates on individual parishes’ performance on the Appeal. This information is also posted at www.doy.org/appeal under “Parish Toolkit and Updates.”
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Spring 2025 Stewardship Bulletin Thoughts (Bulletin Materials | Materiales del Boletín) -NEW
It is recommended that every week, in every parish, a stewardship reflection should be included in the weekly bulletin.
Pastoral and Educational Services
Click the name of the office to read the full text of the announcements. Links to download the parish bulletin/publicity materials are listed below.
- NEW: Advent Retreat Day with Steve Angrisano: “Comfort and Joy” – 2025 Advent Retreat Day for parish ministers and leaders featuring Steve Angrisano to be held December 4th in Aurora. Sponsored by the Office of Faith Formation and Lay Ecclesial Ministry
- Personnel Reports and Catechetical Reports (Were Due 10/13/25) – Current leaders are asked to complete and return the personnel lists for all catechetical and pastoral ministers and the program report as soon as possible.
- Lifelong Learning: Courses For Adults – All adult faith formation courses are open to anyone wanting to grow in their faith. The courses are offered online and in-person.
- Universal Prayers for Lay Ecclesial Ministry – updated, Bulletin Materials – Parishes and prayer groups are encouraged to pray for persons facing challenges, as well as for increased vocations to lay ministry.
- Universal Prayers for Lay Ecclesial Ministry – updated, Bulletin Materials – Parishes and prayer groups are encouraged to pray for vocations to lay ministry.
- Lifelong Learning: Courses For Adults (Bulletin Materials) – All adult faith formation courses are open to anyone wanting to grow in their faith. The courses are offered online and in-person. Here are upcoming opportunities
- NEW: For Parish Ministers: Parish Ministers Meeting on September 30 – All Parish Ministers serving in Diocese of Youngstown parishes are invited to the September 30 meeting at the St. Edward site of St. Columba Parish. RSVPs required.
- Library in the Diocesan Office of Faith Formation and Lay Ecclesial Ministry – (Bulletin Materials) – Our diocesan library is open to everyone. We have resources for personal reflection, small group study, families, as well as age-level faith formation. Visit any time between 8AM – 4PM, Monday – Friday at 225 Elm Street, Youngstown.
- Library in the Diocesan Office of Faith Formation and Lay Ecclesial Ministry – (Bulletin Materials) – Our diocesan library is open to everyone. We have resources for small group study, families, as well as age-level faith formation. Visit any time between 8AM – 4PM, Monday – Friday.
- Change in Time for Gold Mass: Sunday November 23rd at 5pm at the Cathedral of St. Columba – Organ and choir concert at 3:45pm with Mass at 5pm and dinner afterwards.
- Change in Time for Gold Mass: Sunday November 23rd at 5pm at the Cathedral of St. Columba – Organ and choir concert at 3:45pm with Mass at 5pm and dinner afterwards.
- Upcoming Parish Music Events (Bulletin Materials) – Join us for live music events at: The Living Composer Concert: 10/22 7pm at Divine Mercy Parish – St. Mary Church (Massillon). Theron Brown Trio: 11/23 at 6:30pm at St. Blaise Parish – St. Joseph Church (Austintown). Dates have been announced for the 2026 Cathedral Concert Series.
- SEEK26 – SEEK26 registration opens on October 15th at MIDNIGHT for the first 25 young adults (ages 18-39) to register with the Diocese of Youngstown using the diocesan discount code. Registrants must be parishioners and/or reside in the Diocese of Youngstown to attend.
- Emmaus: New Young Adult Speaker Series – Emmaus is a series of events put on by collaborating parishes in Stark County for Young Adults, ages 18-39, from various backgrounds/parishes. The mission of Emmaus is inspired by Luke 24; it is for young adults in Stark County within the Diocese of Youngstown to journey together and grow in authentic faith and fellowship, to empower them to go forth and live the Gospel.
- Save-the-Dates: Youth, Young Adult, and Campus Ministry Events in 2025-2026 – Save these dates, and check in periodically for an updated list of events!
- NCYC 2025 – The National Catholic Youth Conference in Indianapolis, IN is an annual conference hosted by the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry. The Diocesan Office of Youth and Young Adult Accompaniment is providing the opportunity for youth groups to attend with the larger diocesan Young Church this year!
- Theology on Tap – Theology on Tap is an invitation to young adults (18-39) to delve deeper in their faith and in community with other members of the Church.
- 2025-2026 DOY Catholic Schools Calendar Available – The Office of Catholic Schools has published the calendar for the 2025-2026 school year.
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Resources to Promote School Affordability (Bulletin Materials) **
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Theology on Tap is BACK! (Bulletin Materials) **
The Office of Youth & Young Adult Ministry is now on social media! Please give it a like and follow!
Miscellaneous
The Necrology (In Memoriam) for Diocesan Clergy is now available online!
Many thanks to Robalyne Sciubba for keeping the printable Necrology updated.
Gratitude to Rev. Joseph Ruggieri who has created a Google calendar to help you pray by date.
Diocesan Cemeteries (Bulletin Materials)
Click the name of the office to read the full text of the announcements. Links to download the parish bulletin/publicity materials are listed below.
- Rosary at the Cemetery Chapel on the 1st Wednesday at 10am (Bulletin Materials) – Pray the Rosary on the first Wednesday of the month at 10:00am in the Chapel of any of our four Diocesan Cemeteries.
- Chaplet of Divine Mercy (Bulletin Materials) – Catholic Funeral and Cemetery Services offers the Chaplet of Divine Mercy Prayer Service in the chapels of our four Cemeteries at 3:00p.m. every Friday at alternating locations.
PARISH BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Chaplet of Divine Mercy, Fridays at 3pm (Bulletin Materials)
Rosary at Four Diocesan Cemeteries (Bulletin Materials)
Please share these flyers and bulletin announcements as applicable to your location:
Other Events
FAQ: Where do I send my announcements?
You are invited to submit events and announcements for The Catholic Echo to Editor-in-Chief Katie Wagner at kwagner@youngstowndiocese.org.
Are you planning a parish music event? Please contact/copy Diocesan Director of Music Ralph Holtzhauser at rholtzhauser@youngstowndiocese.org.
BULLETINS/PUBLICITY
Shared Publicity Folders -UPDATED LINKS
Catholic parishes, schools, and lay organizations are invited to share your flyers, images, and bulletin announcements using Google Drive. All @youngstowndiocese.org emails should have access to these folders, and others can request access on a case-by-case basis. We will respond to all requests within one business day and appreciate your patience.
- April 2025 Shared Publicity Folder https://bit.ly/apr2025sharedoy
- May 2025 Shared Publicity Folder https://bit.ly/may2025sharedoy
- June 2025 Shared Publicity Folder https://bit.ly/june2025sharedoy
